What is the purpose of septoplasty, is it failed if my septum is still crooked?

Question

My doctor didn't recommend a CT or bone break for my septoplasty. I still had breathing issues post surgery so I got a CT for another reason and it was noted my septum is still crooked. Would this be a failed septoplasty? When I asked the doctor (after he told me it was straight I showed him the CT scan) how to fix it he said bones needed to be broken so isn't that a failed septo if he didn't fix it in the first surgery. He said I didn't need bones broken, now I do?

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

This is challenging to answer without a thorough examination.
Nasal obstruction can be multifactorial - septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve collapse (static or dynamic), and can change with allergies/weather/more.

Make sure you see a surgeon who is well-trained to evaluate these issues for you to get an accurate diagnosis as that's essential for a successful plan to improve the way you feel.

There are bones in the septum itself that may require resection or repair, but breaking (osteotomies) the nasal bones themselves is very uncommon to achieve a straight septum.

What is the purpose of septoplasty, is it failed if my septum is still crooked?

Answers (1)